Hemel and Bath share points in six goal thriller

Allan Mitchell

Hemel Hempstead Town and Bath City shared the points in a six goal thriller on Saturday – both sides showing how not to defend against a swirling wind that blew down the slope at Vauxhall Road.

Hemel were one up after just 34 seconds when a long ball created havoc in City’s defence, allowing Graeme Montgomery to cut inside and score.

Bath then enjoyed a period of possession without really creating too many chances and they were further punished when another through ball bounced in front of keeper Max O’Leary, his indecision allowed Mitchell Weiss to nod into an empty net to make it 2-0 after 31 minutes.

With the wind at their back in the second half, the visitors pushed forward and on 55 minutes, a free kick from the right hand side missed everyone except sub Nick McCootie who managed to force the ball home.

With an hour on the clock City equalised when a superb turn and shot by Chas Hemmings flew past Jamie Butler in Hemel’s goal.

It was now end to end and Hemel retook the lead after 75 minutes after great build up play, James Potton fed Jake Robinson and he crossed for James Koloczi who headed back across the goal past O’Leary.

Montgomery could have settled the game on 79 minutes but his shot went just wide and moments later Bath equalised again through Marvin Morgan who headed home unmarked to complete the scoring.